Demand still high for IT professionals

A survey from Kelly Services, a workforce solutions agency, found that more than 71% of those surveyed reported an increase or no change in the demand for skilled IT professionals in their industry.

The new survey saw little change from a similar July 2008 survey in which 80% of New Zealand respondents said the effects of the IT skills shortage were moderate to severe.

While the demand for IT professionals remain, many organisations find it challenging to find candidates with the right skills to fill the roles. And with an industry that is cautiously optimistic about the coming year, the majority of respondents thought that the demand for skilled professionals would increase in six months.

“The IT industry is continuing to experience growth driven by new opportunities to leverage technology for cost savings in organisations, and businesses recognising the fundamental role that IT has in business development and success,” said Steve Martin, Kelly Services Director, Professional and Technical.

The survey respondents consisted of senior IT specialists in a range of industries in medium and large multinational organisations located in 12 countries across Asia Pacific. The New Zealand portion of the survey was conducted nationwide across a range of industries.